A Preview of the 2020 Summer Olympics

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The 2020 Summer Olympics is happening despite the threat of COVID-19. That’s why, in addition to the plethora of sports that will be played, the Olympics is also resulting in some controversy and public health concerns. Below, preview the 2020 Summer Olympics (which are indeed the 2021 event despite the “2020” in the name) and learn how Covid is changing things.

Which sports are being played in the first few days?

The 2020 Summer Games, which are taking place in Tokyo, will begin with baseball, softball, and soccer on Wednesday, July 21. On Thursday, July 22, the games will continue with horse riding events. The lighting of the Olympic Torch ceremony will take place on Sunday, July 23.

What sports are being played at the 2020 Summer Games?

The bulk of the Olympic events will be in aquatics, athletics, cycling, gymnastics, and wrestling. Track and field will include Olympics classics such as the 100-meter dash, discus, pole vault, shot put, and javelin throw. This year’s aquatic sports include synchronized swimming, water polo, and the Olympic dive. 

Which sports have the most events?

This year’s Olympics will feature 339 events in 33 sports across 42 venues. Aquatics has the most number of events at 49 total. The sport with the second-highest number of events is general athletics, with 48 events. Cycling has 22 events. 

There will be 18 gymnastics events. Canoeing has 16 events. There will be 15 shooting events, and the same goes for Judo. There will be 13 boxing events. Fencing will have 12 events.

Additionally, there will be 18 wrestling events and 14 weightlifting events. Finally, there will be 14 rowing events and 10 sailing events. 

How is COVID-19 affecting Tokyo amid the Summer Games?

The Japanese government has declared an emergency due to COVID-19. The largest focus of the emergency declaration is a request to close bars, restaurants, and karaoke parlors serving alcohol. Authorities say that a ban on serving alcohol is a key step to toning down Olympic-related festivities and keeping people from gathering in large crowds. 

Tokyo residents have faced stay-at-home requests and are advised to watch the 2020 Summer Games on TV from home. Tokyo reported almost 1,000 new cases this past week, possibly due possibly to international travel. Japan has recorded 800,000 total confirmed cases and almost 15,000 deaths.

How is COVID-19 affecting the Olympics?

The 2020 Olympics are occurring a year late due to COVID-19, and the 2020 Summer Games are proceeding despite Japan’s state of emergency. Additionally, a few Olympic athletes and officials have tested positive for COVID-19. Over 200,000 competitors and officials have entered the city for the games.

Olympic Committee officials have reported breakthrough cases in which vaccinated individuals have tested positive for the virus. Some in Japan believe that this year’s Olympics are premature given Japan’s low vaccination rates. Non-Covid concerns include the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs, a ban on the use of recreational drugs, endocrinology-based disqualifications that experts allege are based on sex/gender biases, and controversial bans on swim caps.

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